Tedhak Siten is a Javanese ground touching ceremony for babies symbolizing their connection to the Earth and the (hopeful) bestowal of admirable qualities. I had the pleasure of shooting baby Sohna's Tedhak Siten when she was 8 months old. The ceremony took place on lovely Vashon Island in Seattle's Puget Sound where Maeg and Krus were living and raising Sohna at the time.
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| Father and daughter |
Traditionally this ceremony is held when the baby is 245 days old which is 7 months of the 35 day Javanese calendar. It is a joyous occasion which is celebrated by family and friends. Sohna's ceremony was held outside on a beautiful summer day.
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The multi-colored rice represents obstacles
a person will eventually have to walk through in life.
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| Rice and life can both get a little sticky. |
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| A quick cleansing before the next stage. |
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| Climbing the ladder for courage. |
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| In the decorated bird cage are items for the baby to choose. |
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| What she chooses will indicate her path in life. |
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| She chooses grass! |
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| Maybe she will have to rethink that. |
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| Music! Just like Mom and Dad! |
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| Good luck with your life and times Sohna! |
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